I love it when people send me yummy stuff in the mail to taste test, and when that something is really good chocolate, it makes me love my job that much more. I just had the opportunity to taste Chocolove chocolates for the first time. And now I have to say I’m a fan. This is one product I will truly have to look up to purchase again.
Chocolove bars come in two different sizes, the regular bar, which would be great for sharing with friends, and the mini bar. My favorite size was the Mini Bars, I think …read more

Over the summer my family and I planned a retirement party for my mother. While planning the party the subject came up over whether or not to have favors. The truth is, we like favors but we were on a limited budget so we needed to find something not so outlandish. We solved this by taking marigold seeds harvested from my heirloom marigolds and planting them in decorative pots and tea cups – items we had in the house. We also had door prizes and giveaways of nice items we had in our own homes but would never use, …read more

Times have changed. Back in the day we had birthday parties at home and opened the presents towards the end of the party after eating cake. Nowadays this is rare. Many kids have parties outside the home and there’s no time for present opening. In fact, many parents feel it’s better manners to open them either on the child’s actual birthday or after all the kids leave. Personally, I just find it too stressful to deal with gifts at a kids’ party.
Hey – those aren’t your birthday presents!
When my son was two and three, we had his “kid” birthday party …read more

A High School Musical party theme is a big hit these days and with High School Musical 3 on the horizon, this party theme isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
I found this video about some ideas for party favors at your High School Musical theme party. She gives some good ideas for what to send your guests home with when the party is over.

I know that when my kids go to a birthday party, they are always very excited to see what they get in their gift bag when they leave. I do teach them not to expect one, …read more

I have been making diaper cakes for baby showers for years. I received my first diaper cake at a baby shower my friends threw for me 10 years ago. I loved it and thought it was such a great idea. A diaper cake makes a great centerpiece for the table as well as a wonderful gift for the one being honored.
You can actually make a diaper cake look anyway you want. You can make it frilly or modern or set it to the baby shower theme. If you have never heard of a diaper cake or would like to learn …read more